Euonymus fortunei, wintercreeper
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Vines & Groundcovers

Euonymus fortunei

wintercreeper

CelastraceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typevine
Habitclimbing or spreading
Foliageevergreen
Height6 inches to 40 feet
Width3-8 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5a - 9b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

Euonymus fortunei is an exceptionally adaptable evergreen woody vine native to China that demonstrates remarkable versatility in Pacific Northwest landscapes. This vigorous climber produces opposite, oval to elliptical leaves that are typically 1-2 inches long with finely serrated margins and a distinctive glossy surface that reflects light beautifully throughout the year. The foliage emerges bright green in spring and maintains its lustrous appearance through winter, providing consistent visual interest when many other plants become dormant. Young stems are characteristically green and smooth, developing distinctive corky ridges or wings as they mature, creating an attractive textural element on older growth. Euonymus fortunei exhibits a unique growth adaptability that sets it apart from most other vines, functioning equally well as a dense groundcover, vigorous climbing vine, or well-behaved mounded shrub depending on training and available support structures. When grown as groundcover, it forms a dense mat 6-12 inches high that effectively suppresses weeds and provides excellent erosion control on slopes. As a climbing vine, it can ascend 40-70 feet using specialized aerial rootlets, making it valuable for covering walls, fences, or tree trunks. The plant occasionally produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in summer, sometimes followed by decorative capsules that split to reveal orange-coated seeds, though flowering and fruiting are inconsistent in most Pacific Northwest climates.

Native Range

Euonymus fortunei is native to China, Korea, and Japan, where it naturally occurs in woodland edges, rocky slopes, and forest understories throughout temperate regions of East Asia. In its native habitat, the species thrives in areas with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils, often growing as an understory vine in mixed deciduous and evergreen forests.

Suggested Uses

Euonymus fortunei works exceptionally well as groundcover for slopes and areas where erosion control is needed, thriving in locations where grass struggles to establish. Use as a climbing vine to cover unsightly walls, fences, or tree trunks, providing year-round green coverage in both sun and shade locations. Excellent for urban landscapes where pollution tolerance and adaptability to difficult growing conditions are essential. Plant as a foundation planting or border where low-maintenance evergreen structure is desired throughout all seasons. Valuable for naturalizing in woodland gardens or as understory coverage beneath large trees where other plants may struggle in dry shade conditions.

How to Identify

Euonymus fortunei can be reliably identified by its opposite, glossy evergreen leaves that are oval to elliptical in shape, measuring 1-2 inches long with distinctly serrated edges. The leaves have a leathery texture and maintain their bright to dark green color throughout winter, unlike many other vines that lose leaves or fade in cold weather. Young stems are smooth and green, developing characteristic corky ridges or wings as they age, which is a distinctive feature of the Euonymus genus. The plant's growth habit is highly diagnostic - it can function as a low groundcover when unsupported, but readily climbs vertical surfaces using small aerial rootlets along the stems. When climbing, the foliage often becomes larger and more widely spaced compared to the denser arrangement seen in groundcover forms. Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers may appear in summer clusters, occasionally followed by small capsules containing orange-coated seeds, though flowering is sporadic in most garden settings.

Appearance

Bloom Information

Occasionally produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in summer, typically June through August, though flowering is inconsistent and sporadic in most Pacific Northwest gardens. Many plants never flower, focusing energy instead on vigorous vegetative growth.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish-white

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun to full shade

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Euonymus fortunei requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then reduce frequency as the plant becomes drought tolerant. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch several inches away from the stem to prevent pest issues. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if growth seems sluggish, though most established plants thrive without supplemental feeding in average garden soils. Monitor for scale insects, the most common pest problem, and treat with horticultural oil if infestations occur. The plant adapts to a wide range of soil conditions but performs best in well-draining soil with consistent moisture during hot summer months.

Pruning

Prune Euonymus fortunei in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain desired size and shape. For groundcover applications, trim back any vertical shoots to encourage dense, horizontal growth and prevent the plant from climbing nearby structures. When grown as a climbing vine, prune selectively to remove dead, damaged, or wayward growth while maintaining the overall form. Heavy pruning is well-tolerated and can be used to rejuvenate overgrown specimens - cut back to within 6-12 inches of the ground if necessary. Regular light pruning throughout the growing season helps maintain compact growth and prevents the plant from becoming too aggressive in small spaces. Always wear gloves when pruning as some people may experience skin irritation from the sap.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Euonymus fortunei contains alkaloids that make all parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and bark, toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness in both dogs and cats, with seeds being particularly concentrated in toxins. Keep away from areas where children or pets might be tempted to sample the foliage or colorful seeds. Some individuals may experience skin irritation when handling the plant, so wearing gloves during pruning and maintenance is recommended.